A BARRIER could soon be installed on a Richmond road to prevent drivers ignoring signs prohibiting through-traffic.

Quarry Road links the Gallowfields Industrial Estate with Hurgill Road, and is often used as a short-cut into the town centre - despite access-only signs which went up in 1985.

The amount of traffic has increased recently since road works went up at the foot of Gallowgate, and drivers learned they could avoid the lights by using Quarry Road.

Following a survey, residents requested a barrier to put an end to the problem.

On Monday, North Yorkshire County Council's Richmondshire area committee appears set to sanction the idea in principle - albeit on a trial basis.

A report compiled for members points out that people who live in the road would be able to get by as they would be issued with pass cards or keys to remove bollards, which could be installed at a cost of £5,000 - easily met from this year's budget.

The emergency services have indicated they would not object to the scheme.

However, formal consultation still has to be carried out with Quarry Road residents and people who work on the Gallowfields Industrial Estate before any final decision is taken.